First Posted: 10/9/2014
MINSTER — An Auglaize County judge has upheld the firing of a Minster Police officer after the ex-cop filed a civil suit claiming he was denied due process.
Common Pleas Court Frederick Pepple ruled Monday against former Sgt. Kirby Cummins, who brought the suit against the village in April after he was fired by the mayor Jan. 10.
Cummins was removed from his position for gross neglect of duty, insubordination, violating village policies and failure to obey orders.
A complaint brought against him prior to his termination included claims of nonwork activities while on duty, unsanitary practices, smoking in the police cruisers (a policy violation), racist language and sexual harassment of another village employee.
Cummins was served his termination Dec. 24, which was then temporarily suspended while village officials investigated. He was suspended without pay for five days, then was formally terminated following an interview with the mayor Jan. 10.